Hammock vs. Tent – Which One Should You Get For Your Camping Trip?

Hammock vs. Tent - which one should you get for your camping trip? There is a lot of stuff you need to compare in a camping trip, and Hammocks vs. Tents should be one of them. Campers have varying opinions when it comes to this, and they can prefer one over the other depending on their needs.

Campers can also bring both if they want. But if you can only bring one, then you need to make a choice. You can weigh your options when it comes to bringing the better camping shelter for you. Many people would prefer the tent, but many would second guess and bring a hammock instead.

In this post, we will help you make up your mind by listing some of the pros and cons of using a hammock and a tent. Let’s go!

#1. Comparing Hammock vs. Tent

Size and Weight

The hammock can pack down to fit with Nalgene-size area, and it can weigh 1 pound or less. It could have been a winner if we omit the bug net, tarp, straps and other stuff in it.

The tent weighs approximately 4 lbs. With the inflatable sleeping pad, though, it could be 5 pounds and pack down for up to three times the hammock’s size.

So do we have a winner here? Well, with everything considered, the two are about the same weight and size. So it’s a tie.

Comfort

I used to think that the hammock is the winner here. Besides, the hammock gives you that signature “swing” which can help you sleep like a baby. But appearances can be deceiving, and you’ll never know the truth until you give both a try.

There are two factors to consider here. First, hammocks aren’t sleeping shelters. They’re more like a couch where campers can go, kick back and relax a bit. And it doesn’t necessarily shelter you from the dropping leaves, rain or sunlight. The tent then makes a more comfortable shelter.

Setup

Both can be setup easily by anybody with hands. So it’s a tie.

Limitations

You cannot use a hammock in a place where there are very few trees like a sandy beach or the desert. And sometimes, it may be difficult for you to find a good space to set up your hammock in a dense forest. So your hammock may not be very useful on your camping trip.

But there are also spots of wet earth, nasty slopes, and rocky grounds where tents may not work well. And tents may prove harder to set up in dense forests than the hammock.

#3. Cons

Should be set up on a level surface free of mud, water, rocks, and roots

You must have a footprint if you want to keep your tent clean and dry

Adds weight to your gear. Tents that are very affordable tents are bulky, heavy and troublesome. They also can’t be set up fast.

Hammock

There is very little space for your gear unless you put them under a tarp

You can't use it if there are any trees around

Lacks privacy

There’s room for only one person

The hammock may not be directly exposed to the elements, but they are not closed, leaving you vulnerable to harmful insects and mosquitoes.

#4. Conclusion

With one win, two ties and one undecided, I believe we have a winner. The Tent! The tent has always been attributed to camping, and there are good reasons for it. Just the extra security, privacy and comfort it provides are enough for me to purchase it.

We hope you enjoyed our post and found it useful. Which camping shelter do you prefer? Tent or Hammock? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

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